Replies

1. 
   rslatm | Dec 03, 2002 02:58am | #1

   We used to sell them at a former place I worked and I was pretty impressed with them. I thought the jointer fence was the weakest thing. I'd put a machined straight edge on the tables to check it though. Does it have the slot mortise table? I think they were about $3,500 10 years ago if I recall correctly. Worth checking out!

   Rick

1. 
   AntzyClancy | Dec 03, 2002 03:14am | #2

   Yes it has the slot mortiser.  Trouble is, I will not have access to the machine until I buy it.  It is advertised as "The cast iron surfaces are clean and flat".

   Thanks,

   Todd

1. 
   rslatm | Dec 03, 2002 03:25am | #3

   You get to look at it before you buy it...right! You have a good straight edge and feeler gauges or access to one? Could be a good deal or a nightmare. What kind shop was it in? Home or commercial?

   Rick

1. 
   AntzyClancy | Dec 03, 2002 07:02pm | #4

   No, I will not get to look at it. I will be relying on the honesty of the seller. Here are a few pictures he has sent me.

   
1. 
   rslatm | Dec 03, 2002 07:18pm | #5

   It does look pretty good!  With the mortiser I think you have good deal!

   Rick

   Edited 12/3/2002 11:31:45 AM ET by rsl

2. 
   crt2cu2 | Dec 04, 2002 06:47am | #6

   Fancyclancy,

   I too am interested in Minimax tools and am considering finding/buying used.  But I live in Montana with no local chances to "kick the tires" and inspect such equipment firsthand so I can relate to your dilemma.  Further, I recondition lots of old machinery and have some knowledge of the issues one may face. You asked for input so here is mine:

   1.  I looked carefully at the pictures and noticed some rust and minor paint chipping but no obvious signs of mistreatment or unusual wear and tear- good signs yes and no to the purchase for these reasons.  A. Rust may mean the machine has not been well maintained during its working history or may mean the machine has rarely been used and just sitting in a shop.  B.  Paint chipping is a ready sign of hard use so you might be ok here.  C.  Or you may not since the operating handles are not painted thus may not (in a photo) show wear.  But the photos do not show nasty wear signs one might see in a badly used machine.  For example, dent marks from pounding on handles with a hammer due to bad machine adjustment or outcomes.

   2.  A pic showed a dust collector pipe which is good.  But do not assume.  Ask the seller if the machine was always used with a dust collector as dust can eventually damage motors and bearings as well as other working parts of any machine.

   3.  Ask the seller for an approximation of the hours the machine has been run or the estimated amount of linear feet ran through.  Also ask what types of wood the machine usually milled.  Softwoods for example are notorious for leaving pitch residues which gum up everything.  This can be cleaned up of course but if so the asking price could be reduced during negotiations in proportion to your costs of prepping the machine for your final use.

   4.  Call Minimax and ask if older parts; especially knives, are available for this model.  And ask if current Minimax accessories are still compatable.

   5. Negotiate with the seller about price depending on your satisfaction with the condition of the machine once you see and run it F2F.  Maybe try something like half down up front and the balance upon delivery and your satisfaction.  The sellers response to this approach may give you some good intuition about the sellers honesty and hence the machines condition. Is shipping cost included?

   sawick

3. 
   rslatm | Dec 04, 2002 01:37pm | #7

   Knives are the least of things to worry about. Companies like Charles Schmidt and many others can supply knifes at a competetive cost usually far cheaper and better quality than the original manufacturer. Parts can be a different matter but not a big problem either depending on on ones level of expertise and ingenuity not to mention access to a local machine shop. We have many old and new machines in our shop that take months to get parts if we go the original manufacturers route or even parts that are long gone period but we have the expertise to deal with it. Personally for the price I think the combo machine looks like a good deal. The mortise attachment and chuck are worth $300 easily as Laguna sells something similar for $500. You have to know when to walk as far as a comfort level. You bring up some valid points for the rookie machine buyer though. It's like going to an auction. If you don't know to deal with any worse case scenario then perhaps you should walk. I once bought a stroke sander for $700. It was in a pile of sections outside under cover though. Several people had looked at it. I gave him the $700 no questions asked because I knew the machine well. The owner really knew nothing about the machine because it had been given to him. In my experience you can't really count on getting accurate information from the owner anyway. It's all subjective.

   Rick

   Edited 12/4/2002 5:39:12 AM ET by rsl

   Edited 12/4/2002 5:44:23 AM ET by rsl